Dallas Mavericks re-sign two; add Ellington

The Dallas Mavericks are at it again. Re-tooling and adding to their depth for the upcoming season, the Mavs have re-signed center Bernard James and forward/center Brandan Wright.

Wright, who has been with the Mavs since December 2011, was a key part of the team’s bench last season, as well as in Dirk’s absence, averaging a career-high 8.3 ppg and 4.1 rpg, while shooting 60 percent from the field.

The 6-foot-10 former Tar Heel and the Mavs haven’t released the contract details, but sources say the deal is worth two years and $10 million.

James, who was released by the Mavs early last week to make room for the signing of Monta Ellis, comes back to the only team he’s played for. The former Air Force staff sergeant averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg in 46 games last season, which included 11 starts.

James played well in his one and only summer league game, scoring two points, grabbing nine rebounds and recording three blocks. His per-36 production last year (10.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.0 bpg) was one of the best in the league and showed Mark Cuban, Rick Carlisle and the rest of the Mavericks organization why it was important to re-sign the big man.

The Mavs depth got a little bit stronger with the addition of four-year guard Wayne Ellington. The guard officially signed with the team, a two-year deal worth $5.3 million, but had agreed to come to Dallas earlier in the month when free agency began.

Ellington, who has played for Minnesota, Memphis and Cleveland most recently, has career averages of 6.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 42 percent field goal shooting, 38 percent from downtown, and 85 percent from the line in 267 career games.

The Mavs are also in talks, along with five other teams, for big man and former #1 pick Greg Oden. Oden worked out Sunday in Indianapolis and reports were said that Oden looked good moving around and doing drills.

Since free agency began, the Mavs have signed Jose Calderon, Ellis and Samuel Dalembert along with James, Wright and Ellington. The rest of the roster consists of Dirk, Shawn Marion, Jae Crowder, Vince Carter, Rodrigue Beaubois and rookies Shane Larkin, Gal Mekel and Ricky Ledo.

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About Brian Gosset

Brian Gosset, who was born and raised in Hawaii, is a senior at Northern Arizona University and seeking a degree in Journalism. He is a former beat writer for the school paper, The Lumberjack. Brian currently works for the school as a Student Assistant for Athletic Communications. He loves the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma Sooners, Lumberjacks, Philadelphia Eagles and Hawaii Warriors. You can follow Brian on Twitter @Gosset41.